About the job

Job summary

If you have an interest in the marine environment and would like to work on one of the most respected environmental monitoring programmes (the Scottish Coastal Observatory) in Europe, then we would like to hear from you.

We have two exciting part time opportunities for Plankton Analysts in our Science, Evidence, Digital and Data (SEDD) portfolio which sits within the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate.

The main role of these posts is the identification and enumeration of plankton in support of SEDD work relating to environmental monitoring and assessments for the OSLO/PARIS commission (OSPAR) and the UK Marine Strategy status.  You will ensure your work supports data quality requirements and will also work to assist in the general running of the plankton labs in Aberdeen.  The posts also involve weekly field sampling trips and may also provide the opportunity to participate in offshore sampling cruises.  These posts  will be expected to work closely and flexibly across SEDD, where necessary in line with annual delivery plans. 

Due to the nature of this role, you will be expected to participate in field work activities at sea.  You will also be expected to work in a laboratory setting onsite at the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen for the majority of the working week.

The Plankton delivery area is currently focused on the identification and enumeration of plankton communities around the Scottish coast to fulfil statutory monitoring and assessment requirements, and identification of the impacts of climate change. It is part of the Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystems (CCBE) work area of the SEDD portfolio.

The CCBE work area provides scientific advice and undertakes monitoring of multiple parameters in the marine environment such as the Scottish Coastal Observatory. CCBE is responsible for the provision of data in support of the Marine Directorate’s environmental reporting commitments.

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a flexible, inclusive, welcoming and supportive team, where you will have the opportunity to develop plankton identification, fieldwork and general laboratory skills.

The Plankton delivery area is currently composed of four plankton scientists who are experts in plankton identification, ecology and reporting.

This is a 24 month Fixed Term Appointment with the possibility of extension.

Job description

• Collection, processing and microscopic identification of plankton in water samples
• Completion of laboratory tasks within the SEDD and UKAS ISO 17025 Quality System
• Preparation and maintenance of laboratory and sampling equipment
• Participation of field trips on MRV TEMORA to collect weekly samples at the Stonehaven monitoring site
• Plankton data entry and quality control
• Support the Plankton delivery area in other laboratory and reporting duties as appropriate

Person specification

1. Experience of working in a laboratory environment with attention to detail.
2. Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to use initiative and take responsibility for own work
3. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with and build relationships with working colleagues.
4. Demonstrated ability using a variety of IT systems, including Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and Outlook

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,140, Scottish Government contributes £8,407 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Sift and Interview dates TBC
Please apply using the link provided

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.